Minister Foley opens new pitch and walking track in St. Mary’s Charleville

Tuesday, September 6th, saw St Mary’s School community welcome Minister for Education Norma Foley to the school. She met with the Board of Management whom she thanked most sincerely for their time and support of the school. She was taken by the level of student voice and engagement within St Mary’s. She discussed current issues with the Student Council and their many projects such as additions to the uniform and the sensory garden. She visited STEM classes and a second-year group whose digital portfolios are gaining them recognition within PDST. St Marys is a digital school using Google Workspace where students can use their Chromebooks for e-books, collaboration on classroom-based assessments and exam preparation through their Google Classroom. They can interact together and with their teacher digitally.
The minister also visited the Additional Education Needs Suite. Whole-school guidance plays a huge role in student care and development in St Mary’s as students learn to ‘Develop My Self, Develop My Career and Develop My Learning’. The Minister commended the school on such an innovative and indeed virtual programme.
Minister Foley commended the students on their respectful engagement with teachers in her address, but noted that “the school feels like a family” as she appraised St Mary’s student care. She commended the students on their warm welcome and gifts and also acknowledged the staff’s incredible efforts to continue teaching and learning throughout the lockdown. She encouraged the Leaving Certificate students to continue to do their best and reassured them that they would be foremost in her mind.
She commended Ms Finn, Principal, and Ms O’Keeffe, Deputy Principal, on the developments in the school from digital learning platforms to facilities such as the new pitch and recently-finished walking track. She thanked the school and indeed local community for their efforts in fundraising for same and noted how valued St Mary’s is in the community.
Head Girls Caoimhe Morrissey and Aoife Imray presented the minister with a gift box from St Mary’s, showcasing some of the best of what St Mary’s has to offer. She wished St Mary’s School community well as she was confident the community would continue to learn and grow with the energy and dedication of staff.